Biodiversity is not easily defined. Try What is Biodiversity? and Defining The 'B' Word for approaches with differing emphases. Below is a definition adapted from the World Resources Institute, World Conservation Union, and United Nations Environment Programme in Global Biodiversity Strategy 1992."Biodiversity is the totality of genes, species, and ecosystems in a region... Biodiversity can be divided into three hierarchical categories -- genes, species, and ecosystems -- that describe quite different aspects of living systems and that scientists measure in different ways.Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within species. This covers distinct populations of the same species (such as the thousands of traditional rice varieties in India) or genetic variation within a populations (high among Indian rhinos, and very low among cheetahs) ...Species diversity refers to the variety of species within a region. Such diversity can be measured in many ways, and scientists have not settled on a single best method. The number of species in a region -- its species richness -- is one often- used measure, but a more precise measurement, taxonomic diversity, also considers the relationship of species to each other. For example, an island with two species of birds and one species of lizard has a greater taxonomic diversity than an island with three species of birds but no lizards ...Ecosystem diversity is harder to measure than species or genetic diversity because the boundaries of communities -- associations of species -- and ecosystems are elusive. Nevertheless, as long as a consistent set of criteria is used to define communities and ecosystems, their numbers and distribution can be measured ..."Resources related to biodiversity or conservation as an issue or a topic of debate belong primarily in the relevant subcategory of Society / Issues / Environment. Related: (very comprehensive guide) Where should I submit my website about animals? Or, where will I find the animal topic I am looking for?
The Global Diversity Foundation documents, monitors and promotes agricultural, biological and cultural diversity around the world, particularly through training and research. www.globaldiversity.org.uk
Access to WWW sites that provide information on genetic diversity, species diversity, ecological diversity, and geopolitical perspectives. From the National Biological Information Infrastructure. www.nbii.gov/issues/biodiversity
Biological diversity: theory, patterns, ecological zones, species distributions, conservation issues, and legislation, with an emphasis on Canada. Bilingual: english/français. www.canadianbiodiversity.mcgill.ca
Personally maintained website with information and links about several aspects of biodiversity: biological, ecological, physical, chemical, social (e.g., population growth), economical and juridical. Some links in Dutch language or of particular relevance www.biodiversity.nl
National Academy of Sciences report (1996) addresses new strategies and techniques for quantifying, understanding, and protecting biodiversity. Full text online. books.nap.edu/catalog/4901.html
Biology, ecology, habitat, and status of rare, threatened and endangered species of mammals and information on their native countries: biodiversity, ecosystems, population, and land use. www.animalinfo.org
Explores the economic dimensions of the global biodiversity agenda as reflected in the work of IUCN and the various biodiversity conventions, notably the Convention on Biological Diversity. biodiversityeconomics.org
Online resource: major themes include evolution of biodiversity, systems for classifying and defining biodiversity, ecological patterns and theories, an assessment of contemporary patterns and trends, treaties and government legislation. www.biodiversity.nl/encyclopedia.htm
Research papers (PDF files) and project summaries related to economic and policy aspects of biodiversity protection. Topics include ecosystem valuation, endangered species laws, and habitat conservation. www.rff.org/nat_resources/biodiversity.htm
Supports international conservation activities. Documents on methodology, working with NGOs, governments, communities; news, publications, photo gallery. www.fauna-flora.org
A branch library of the California Academy of Sciences specializing in information on biodiversity. Bibiographies, links to news and educator resources. www.calacademy.org/research/library/biodiv
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